Lagos Ride-Hailing Drivers Resume Operations After Four-Day Shutdown

Kehinde Adeleye

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, has called off its four-day industrial action by e-hailing drivers, directing members to resume normal operations while urging them to uninstall the inDrive application.

The union’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, announced the suspension in a statement, describing the industrial action as successful and thanking drivers for their solidarity.

Azeez said the decision followed an assessment of the situation after four days of protests over concerns affecting drivers in the ride-hailing industry.

“Following our assessment of the situation, I hereby announce that the ongoing industrial action and shutdown are officially called off, effective immediately,” he said.

He directed members to return to their regular activities while remaining attentive to further communications from the union.

Despite ending the shutdown, AUATON expressed disappointment with inDrive, alleging that the platform had failed to engage the union meaningfully over the grievances raised by drivers during the industrial action.

The union said the alleged lack of engagement raised concerns about the platform’s willingness to address issues affecting the drivers whose services sustain its operations.

“Without drivers, there is no ride-hailing business. Our contributions deserve respect, dialogue and meaningful consideration,” Azeez said.

As part of its next steps, AUATON encouraged drivers to reconsider their use of inDrive and uninstall the application from their mobile phones.

The union also recommended MyKaab, Randbax and SimpliRide as alternative platforms for drivers to explore, describing them as emerging options that could offer a more sustainable experience.

However, it advised drivers to carefully examine the terms and conditions of any platform before joining, particularly its commission structure, fare policies, payment arrangements, safety provisions and driver support systems.

AUATON said its campaign extended beyond encouraging drivers to switch applications, stressing that its broader objectives included better working conditions, transparent operating policies, fair earnings and improved welfare across the industry.

“The struggle does not end because the shutdown has ended. We must continue to organise, engage, evaluate our options and insist on fairness, transparency, better welfare and respect,” the statement added.

The four-day industrial action followed growing concerns among e-hailing drivers over fare levels, platform commissions, earnings transparency and welfare.

The dispute brought renewed attention to the financial pressures faced by drivers operating on digital mobility platforms, particularly the relationship between fares, commissions and the costs of running their vehicles.

While AUATON described the shutdown as successful, its latest announcement indicates that disagreements between drivers and ride-hailing platforms remain unresolved.

The union acknowledged the support of its executives, task force, national leadership, women’s wing and the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Council, during the industrial action.

It urged members to remain united and continue advocating for improved conditions, emphasising that the resumption of operations would not end its campaign for reforms in the industry.

The effect of AUATON’s call to uninstall inDrive and the extent to which drivers adopt the recommended alternatives remain uncertain.